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Wendy Patrick: The Notts County Fan with a Heart as Big as the Pitch


Chris

Wendy Patrick, a dedicated supporter of Notts County, stands at the intersection of passion, philanthropy, and the pulse of Meadow Lane.

Her journey into the folds of Nottingham's historic football club commenced unexpectedly, painting a narrative that intertwines her love for the oldest professional football club.

Reflecting on her football odyssey, Wendy shares, "I started off life supporting Forest as my parents did, but when I was about 7 or 8, my dad stopped going. I fell in love with Meadow Lane, and I have never ever regretted my choice." This serendipitous shift in allegiance became the cornerstone of a lifelong love affair with Notts County.

Wendy's allegiance to the club weathered the storm of secondary school complexities, where she found herself as the sole female Pie. The vibrant football culture of the '70s and '80s, though exhilarating, brought unexpected challenges. "Supporting a football team could be more exciting than you'd bargained for," she reflects, recounting a tense match experience in Cardiff with a Forest-supporting boyfriend, marked by hostility from rival fans.

As life unfolded with the responsibilities of motherhood, Wendy's connection to Notts County endured, albeit with occasional breaks. "Having kids made my attendance more sporadic until about the last ten years when I bought a season ticket," she shares. Today, her love for the club spans generations, with her grandchildren now accompanying her to the terraces, creating a familial tradition rooted in the passion for Notts County.

Her journey into charity work, influenced by the dynamics of social media, has already yielded tangible results. "So far, I've raised £300 and have about 90 badges left," she chuckles. "But I need more publicity to shift the remainder." Wendy's accidental foray into fundraising showcases the power of a community united by football, transcending the boundaries of the pitch to make a positive impact.

Navigating the dual passions of Notts County and the BHF, Wendy acknowledges a somewhat tenuous connection with the latter. "I'm not really involved with the BHF," she clarifies, "although when my granddaughter was a mascot at the Stoke game, they were there, and might well be Notts's charity partner this year." Despite the loose connection, Wendy remains committed to contributing to the BHF's cause, driven by the belief that it is indeed a worthy endeavour.

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Notts County, with its illustrious history as the oldest professional football club globally, holds a special place in Wendy's heart. "Our history is something to be proud of, especially as we so nearly lost it all four years ago," she reflects. Yet, Wendy is equally animated about the future, attributing the recent progress of the club to the efforts of the Reedtz brothers and Luke Williams. "No one's having to keep quiet about being a County fan any more because it's cool to be a Pie!" she exclaims, capturing the vibrant resurgence of pride in the club's identity.

In discussing Notts County's impact on the community, Wendy modestly claims not to be an authority. However, her experiences with the generosity of Notts fans resonate loudly. "Notts fans are incredibly generous," she attests, recalling bucket collections for the Prostate Cancer charity and fundraising for defibrillators. The stark contrast between the warmth experienced at Meadow Lane and the less welcoming atmosphere at the City Ground underlines the unique spirit that Notts County brings to its community.

Wendy's story, a tapestry woven with threads of football fervour, community spirit, and charitable commitment, stands as a testament to the enduring power of sports to unite and inspire. In her unexpected foray into the realm of charity, she embodies the unyielding spirit of a football enthusiast.

Her passion isn’t just sparked by the thrill of the game. It’s also kindled by a sincere wish to send waves of positivity across the world. Wendy Patrick, a name synonymous with Notts County, embodies the essence of a fan whose love for the club extends far beyond the pitch, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of football, community, and compassion.

Did you enjoy this feature about Notts County fan, Wendy Patrick? Read up about Adam Baker, another magpie fan who has followed Notts no matter what happens.

Mark Stallard believes Notts County has 'Lack of Inspiration' amongst other issues away from home. Read up on this story on the Pride of Nottingham.



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Recommended Comments

liampie

Posted

i have seen some of wendys tweets, she seems a very supportive notts fan who enjoys sharing her views and her families match day experiences. its nice to see her granddaughter growing up around this passion, i think with family supporting the club you can feel closer to the team because you share the connection with someone else close to you. we all have our own journeys, i really respect wendy patrick for choosing to support the british heart foundation.

  • Like 15
KingMaynard

Posted

Football thrives on dedication and loyalty like Wendy's. She encapsulates the spirit of being a Notts fan, resilient and passionate. Her charitable efforts reinforce the unique sense of community we share as fans.

  • Like 9
JIMBO

Posted

Wendy’s story truly touches the heart. As a fellow Notts County supporter, her journey from a casual fan to a dedicated follower is both admirable and inspiring. Her decision to use her love for the club as a springboard for charity work shows the wider impact football can have beyond the pitch.

It’s individuals like Wendy who add a layer of social responsibility to the love of the game, enriching and warming the community. Her story is a testament to how passion for a football club can extend into making a positive difference in the world. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of sport and community.

  • Like 14
allardyces tash

Posted

This captures the essence of Notts, it’s all about family and community. The 70s was a golden era in our club’s history, and it’s wonderful that younger fans, like Wendy’s granddaughter, are now witnessing a more successful team. We experience good times and bad, but we always remain a community that supports Notts County to the very end. This is a heartwarming story indeed.

  • Like 12
Sir Magpie

Posted

Wendy’s story is a touching testament to her lasting affection for Notts County. She shifted her allegiance from Forest to Notts at a young age and has steadfastly maintained it through various stages of her life. Her commitment isn’t just fair-weather, flourishing in times of victory and fading during defeats. Instead, Wendy’s support for Notts is steadfast, a type of resilience that truly embodies the spirit of our club.

  • Like 11
NottsTastic

Posted

What an inspiring tale! Wendy's passion and allegiance make us all proud to be part of the Notts County community. Meanwhile, her charity work truly shows what it means to be a good sport, on and off the pitch.

  • Like 9
thommo

Posted (edited)

Wendy’s passion for Notts County is the kind that has helped us navigate numerous challenges. Her enthusiasm for the game, coupled with her commitment to a cause, serves as a shining example for all of us. It’s not just about engaging in football, but also about actively participating in society and making a difference. Wendy’s extraordinary fandom goes beyond cheering from the stands; it extends into her community, where she uses her love for the club to drive charitable efforts. Well done to Wendy for embodying what it truly means to be a fan!

Edited by thommo
  • Like 12
Fan of Big Tone

Posted

What a lovely story, it’s good to see fans migrating from over the river, Wendy’s fund raising for the British Heart Foundation is also very admirable, well done Wendy keep up the good work. And as far as I’m concerned it’s always been cool to be a ‘pie.

  • Like 10
upthepies

Posted

Wendy's story celebrate some of the essence of what being a fan is all about, support, a feeling of belonging to a community, and carrying that passion over to all walks of life.

By seeing her dedication, not just towards the game but also towards a charitable cause, we are reminded that it's more than just football, it's about nurturing a feeling of unity and positivity. Wendy's love for our club, which extends to social contributions, is something we can all look up to and aspire to emulate. Here's to hoping her story catalyses more fans around to follow her lead.

  • Like 11
eighteensixtytwo

Posted

Stories like Wendy's remind us why we love football: it goes beyond the pitch. That's what makes Notts County not just a club, but a family. And it's heartening to see the community get together to support a worthy cause.

  • Like 3
skyhighpie

Posted

It’s a charming tale. Wendy’s enthusiasm for Notts is evident, and she seems like a fantastic supporter. The key message is to always have faith in your club, regardless of the circumstances. We’re a pretty cool group.

Robbie

Posted

Really lovely story. Not just a fantastic supporter of Notts, Wendy's dedication to her charitable work is admiral & an example to us all.



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Pride of Nottingham is an independent fansite devoted to Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club. Created in 2013, it has served as a source of Magpie news, features, match previews, reports, analysis and interviews for more than three years.

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